A simple, classic side dish for holidays and weeknights.
INTRODUCTION
Green Bean Casserole is a simple dish. It has green beans, creamy soup, and crispy onions. Many families make it for holidays. It is fast to make and easy to love. The dish uses a few store-bought items and small fresh bits. You can make it on busy days or for a big meal.
If you want a fresh side with sweet carrots, try the easy link to honey glazed carrots and green beans for a nice plate mix.
This recipe page will show clear steps. You will find what you need and how to store it. You will get tips to make it faster and to change the flavor. The words are plain and the steps are short. You can follow them with no fuss.
WHY YOU WILL LOVE THIS RECIPE
You will love this Green Bean Casserole because it is fast. You mix a few ingredients and bake. The taste is creamy and warm. The fried onions on top add a good crunch. This mix of soft beans and crisp topping makes the dish feel complete.
The recipe uses easy items that you can find in any store. It is not costly. You do not need to make many parts from scratch. That saves time and stress. It is a smart choice for a busy cook or for a quick family meal.
This dish fits many menus. It goes well with roast meat, fish, or tofu. You can serve it at a weeknight dinner or at a holiday table. Kids and adults like it. It is mild in taste and not spicy. You can change it to fit your taste with small edits.
HOW TO MAKE Green Bean Casserole
This is a clear, step-by-step way to make the dish. The style is plain. Read each step and do it slowly. You will get a warm and tasty casserole.
EQUIPMENT NEEDED
- Mixing bowl
- Spoon or spatula
- 9×13 inch baking dish or similar
- Measuring cups
- Oven
- Can opener (if you use canned beans or soup)
Ingredients You’ll Need :
- 2 cups green beans (fresh or canned)
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup French fried onions
- 1/2 cup milk
STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS :
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a mixing bowl, combine the green beans, cream of mushroom soup, milk, and half of the French fried onions. Pour the mixture into a baking dish. Bake for 25 minutes, then top with the remaining French fried onions. Bake for an additional 5-10 minutes until the onions are golden brown. Serve warm.
HOW TO SERVE Green Bean Casserole
Serve the casserole warm. Use a ladle or big spoon to put it on plates. It pairs well with meat, fish, or a plant-based main. The hot cream and crunchy top go well with soft mashed sides.
For a full meal, add a roasted main and a green salad. You can also place the casserole next to cooked rice or warm bread. If you want more color on the plate, add a bright salad or roasted beets.
Here is a note: this casserole blends into many meals. If you want a bold main, try a rich meat dish with it. For a fun twist at a party, place the casserole in a warm dish on the table so guests can serve themselves.
This casserole works well with other baked sides, such as baked Philly cheesesteak casserole for a hearty table, or lighter mains like grilled fish. Keep plates simple and let the casserole add a warm, creamy bite.
STORAGE & FREEZING : Green Bean Casserole
To store:
- Cool the casserole to room temp. Do not leave it out for more than two hours.
- Cover the baking dish with foil or place the food in an airtight container.
- Keep in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
To freeze:
- Cool the casserole first.
- Transfer to a freezer-safe dish or bag. Cover well to avoid freezer burn.
- Freeze for up to 2 months.
- To reheat from frozen, thaw overnight in the fridge. Then bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20-30 minutes until hot. Add fresh fried onions on top in the last 10 minutes so they stay crisp.
- If you reheat from thawed, check the center to make sure it is hot.
When you reheat, add a little milk if the mix seems dry. Stir gently before serving to keep the shape.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS
- Place the casserole beside roast turkey or baked chicken for a holiday plate.
- Pair with mashed potatoes and gravy for a cozy feel.
- Add a crisp green salad to bring fresh texture.
- Serve with warm rolls or a crusty bread to soak up the creamy sauce.
- For a light meal, serve a small scoop with grilled fish or a simple roasted veggie main.
VARIATIONS
You can change the dish with small swaps:
- Use fresh green beans for a bright snap. Blanch them first to keep color and texture.
- Use canned beans for speed. Drain and rinse them before you mix.
- Swap cream of mushroom for cream of chicken if you want a milder taste.
- Add a small amount of garlic powder or ground pepper to the mix for more flavor.
- Stir in 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar for a cheese twist.
- Mix in cooked chopped mushrooms for a deeper mushroom taste.
- For a low-carb take, reduce the fried onion on top and use a low-carb soup base; see ideas from the cheesy keto ground beef casserole for flavor swaps that fit a low-carb plan.
Each change keeps the main idea: beans, creamy sauce, and a crunchy top. Try one change at a time so you can see what you like best.
FAQs
Q: Can I use frozen green beans?
A: Yes. Thaw and drain them or blanch them shortly. If they are soft after cooking, drain well before mixing.
Q: Do I have to use cream of mushroom soup?
A: You can use cream of chicken or make a simple white sauce from butter, flour, and milk. The canned soup makes the dish quick.
Q: Can I make this dairy-free?
A: Use a dairy-free cream soup and a plant-based milk. Some brands offer a mushroom soup that is dairy-free.
Q: How do I keep the fried onions crisp?
A: Add the fried onions in the last 5 to 10 minutes of baking. This keeps them crunchy.
Q: Can I double the recipe?
A: Yes. Use a larger dish or two baking dishes. Bake a bit longer if the dish is deep.
Q: Is this safe to freeze with the fried onions on top?
A: It is best to freeze without the fried onions. Add fresh onions when you reheat for the best texture.
MAKE-AHEAD TIPS FOR Green Bean Casserole
- Mix the beans, soup, and milk in a bowl and store in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Keep the fried onions separate.
- Pour into the baking dish just before baking. Add the onions in the final bake minutes.
- You can also assemble the casserole in the baking dish and cover it. Keep it in the fridge up to 24 hours. Bake it when ready, and add the crispy onions near the end.
- If you must freeze a made casserole, do so without the fried onions. When you bake it after thawing, add fresh onions on top and bake until they are golden.
These make-ahead moves save time on the day of serving. Prepare what you can the day before to relax at mealtime.
Green Bean Casserole
A simple and classic side dish made with green beans, creamy soup, and crispy onions, perfect for holidays and weeknight dinners.
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 2 cups green beans (fresh or canned)
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup French fried onions
- 1/2 cup milk
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a mixing bowl, combine the green beans, cream of mushroom soup, milk, and half of the French fried onions.
- Pour the mixture into a baking dish.
- Bake for 25 minutes.
- Top with the remaining French fried onions and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes until the onions are golden brown.
- Serve warm.
Notes
For optimal flavor, consider adding garlic powder or ground pepper. Fresh green beans can be used for added texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
Keywords: green bean casserole, side dish, holiday recipe, easy casserole, vegetarian
